An internship is required for students without substantial experience in the public or nonprofit sectors. Interns may be placed in planning agencies, city managers' offices, administrative departments, or nonprofit agencies. Credit is granted after successful completion of the internship and a written paper at the end of the semester.

MPPA students recently have completed internships in organizations including Beyond Housing, Parents as Teachers, Focus St. Louis, Wyman Center, the City of Wentzville, St. Louis County, City of St. Louis-Department of Health, City of Maplewood, and Missouri Wonk.

MPPA students currently employed in public agencies or nonprofit organizations can receive 3 hours of credit for internships with their employer. To do so, students must develop, in consultation with their advisors, special research projects outside the scope of their regular employment duties.

Students who have significant relevant experience in the public or nonprofit sector may request that the internship requirement be waived. To request a waiver, students must submit a written request outlining the student's professional or managerial field experience with appropriate documentation. Any request for a waiver from the internship requirement must be approved by the program director. Students who receive a waiver must take an additional 3 hours of electives in lieu of the internship.